Patentable/Patents/US-11523211
US-11523211

Method and device for generating synthetic vortex sound field with more mode number

PublishedDecember 6, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A method and device for generating synthetic vortex sound field (SVSF) with more mode number includes the following steps: (1) a transducer array composed of N transducer units is constructed, and each transducer unit emits a sound field to generate an initial sound field; (2) at the same time, the position of the transducer unit and the phase of the sound field emitted by each transducer unit are changed, and each change produces a sound field, and thus changings times produces of sound fields, wherein the way to change the position of the transducer unit is to rotate the transducer array as a whole; (3) the initial sound field is superimposed with s of sound fields generated in step (2), to obtain SVSF with more mode number. The method and device for generating vortex sound field (VSF) can be used for underwater communication or acoustic imaging.

Patent Claims
5 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein rotating the transducer array as a whole the s number times so that the N transducer units have a total of Ns=(s+1)×N different transducer positions, and forms a virtual synthetic transducer array having an equivalent of Ns array elements.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to ultrasound imaging systems that use transducer arrays to improve image resolution and quality. The problem addressed is the limited resolution and field of view achievable with conventional transducer arrays, which have a fixed number of physical elements. The solution involves rotating the entire transducer array multiple times to create a virtual synthetic array with a larger effective number of elements, thereby enhancing imaging performance. The method involves rotating the transducer array a specified number of times, resulting in Ns=(s+1)×N different transducer positions, where s is the number of rotations and N is the number of transducer units in the array. Each rotation shifts the positions of the transducer units, allowing the system to collect data from multiple perspectives. By combining the data from these different positions, a virtual synthetic transducer array is formed, which has an equivalent of Ns array elements. This synthetic array provides higher resolution and a wider field of view compared to the original physical array, improving the quality of ultrasound images. The technique is particularly useful in medical imaging, non-destructive testing, and other applications where detailed imaging is required.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein array elements of said synthetic transducer array are arranged on one circle or on at least two concentric circles.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to synthetic aperture imaging systems, specifically for arranging transducer elements in a circular or concentric circular configuration to improve imaging resolution and accuracy. The problem addressed is the need for enhanced spatial sampling and signal processing in imaging systems, particularly in medical or industrial applications where high-resolution imaging is critical. The invention describes a method for generating a synthetic transducer array where individual transducer elements are positioned on one or more concentric circles. This arrangement allows for improved beamforming and image reconstruction by leveraging the geometric distribution of the elements to capture more comprehensive data. The circular or concentric circular placement of the elements enables better angular coverage and reduces artifacts in the reconstructed image. The method involves transmitting and receiving signals using the transducer elements, processing the received signals to form a synthetic aperture, and then reconstructing an image based on the processed signals. The use of multiple concentric circles further enhances the system's ability to resolve fine details and improve image quality. This approach is particularly useful in applications such as ultrasound imaging, where precise spatial sampling is essential for accurate diagnosis or inspection. The invention provides a solution for achieving higher resolution and reducing imaging artifacts by optimizing the physical arrangement of transducer elements in a synthetic aperture system.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the array elements on each circle are evenly spaced apart.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to the arrangement of elements in a circular array, addressing the need for precise and uniform spacing to optimize performance in applications such as antenna systems, sensor networks, or mechanical assemblies. The method involves arranging elements on concentric circles, where each element on a given circle is evenly spaced from its neighbors. This ensures consistent signal distribution, interference reduction, or mechanical balance, depending on the application. The spacing is determined based on the circle's circumference and the number of elements, ensuring equal angular separation. This uniform distribution improves system efficiency, accuracy, and reliability by minimizing variations in signal strength, sensor coverage, or mechanical stress. The invention is particularly useful in fields requiring high precision, such as telecommunications, radar systems, or robotic positioning. By maintaining equal spacing, the method enhances overall system performance while simplifying design and manufacturing processes.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the N transducer units are arranged on one circle having an axis perpendicular to the circle, and the transducer array is configured to rotate about the axis.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a rotating transducer array system for imaging or sensing applications. The system addresses the challenge of obtaining high-resolution data from a target area by using multiple transducer units arranged in a circular configuration. The transducer units are positioned on a circle with a central axis perpendicular to the plane of the circle, allowing the entire array to rotate about this axis. This rotational capability enables the system to capture data from multiple angles, improving coverage and resolution. The transducer units may be ultrasonic, electromagnetic, or other types, depending on the application. The rotation mechanism ensures uniform data acquisition, reducing blind spots and enhancing the accuracy of the resulting measurements or images. This design is particularly useful in medical imaging, non-destructive testing, or environmental monitoring, where comprehensive data collection is critical. The system may include additional features such as signal processing to combine data from different rotational positions, further refining the output. The circular arrangement and rotational movement optimize spatial sampling, making the system more efficient and effective than fixed or linear transducer arrays.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising placing the transducer array underwater and carrying out steps (b) to (e).

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to underwater acoustic imaging systems, specifically methods for enhancing the resolution and accuracy of acoustic imaging in submerged environments. The method involves using a transducer array to transmit and receive acoustic signals in water, where the array is configured to emit and detect sound waves that interact with underwater objects or structures. The system processes the received signals to generate high-resolution images or maps of the submerged environment, addressing challenges such as signal attenuation, multipath interference, and low contrast in underwater acoustic imaging. The method includes transmitting an acoustic signal from the transducer array into the water, receiving reflected signals from submerged objects, and analyzing the received signals to determine the position, shape, or material properties of the objects. Signal processing techniques, such as beamforming or time-of-flight analysis, are applied to improve image clarity and reduce noise. The system may also compensate for environmental factors like water temperature, salinity, or pressure, which affect sound propagation. By placing the transducer array underwater, the method ensures direct interaction with the acoustic signals in the medium, improving signal quality and reducing distortions caused by air-water interfaces. This approach is particularly useful for applications such as underwater mapping, object detection, or structural inspection in marine environments. The system may be integrated into autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), or fixed underwater installations.

Classification Codes (CPC)

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

January 26, 2021

Publication Date

December 6, 2022

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